MP Lissu wins election petition

By Correspondent

28th April 2012

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Singida East legislator Tundu Lissu cries with relief moments after the High Court seating at Singida yesterday declared his victory at the polls in 2010 lawful. Some CCM members had filed a case challenging the victory. (Photo: Correspondent: Elisante John)

The High Court, Dodoma Zone yesterday threw out a petition which sought to nullify 2010 Singida East constituency election results in which Tundu Lissu (Chadema) was declared the winner.

In the verdict which was read for almost four hours, the High Court Judge, Moses Mzuna rejected petitioners’ arguments and upheld Lissu’s victory, which was announced by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) during October 30 General Election.

The Judge clarified that votes scored by the Singida East MP were correct. According to Judge, Mzuna, the respondent won after scooping 13,787 votes, thus beating his CCM rival Jonathan Njau by 1,626 votes.

The Judge also noted that the petitioners had failed to get reliable and key witnesses who would have given correct information on what really transpired during the elections.

“Petitioners have failed to bring in key people who would have proved accusations leveled against the winner (Tundu Lissu). It is the duty of the main petitioner (CCM aspirant) to provide proofs….this is very important in election petitions like this,” said Muzuna.

The case was based on allegations, she said, noting there was no clear evidence to substantiate them.

In the lawsuit filed at the court against Lissu’s victory, the petitioners (from the CCM) raised 11 points in their submission, which they wanted the Judge to use as the basis for nullifying the elections results.

“Because of the fact that the petitioners have failed to provide clear proofs, the court is now throwing out the petition, and upholding the legislator’s victory. I also order the petitioners to pay the costs of the respondent in the case,” said Mzuna.

Speaking after the ruling, Lissu, who was accompanied by his wife, broke into tears, saying: “Justice has been done.”

The outspoken Chadema legislator accused petitioners of filing the case against him on the basis of “hearsays and rumors.”